Obituary of Bill Martin

MARTIN - Mr. Bill Martin, beloved husband of Rita of Ituna, passed away suddenly on Friday, November 26, 2010. He was 59 years of age. Bill was born on December 7, 1950 at the Balcarres hospital, the fourth child of Margaret Hood and John Martin. He was raised on Brunthill Farms near Ituna, and he attended school at the Wyber School until 1961, and then transferred to Ituna School. As a young man Bill actively farmed. In 2000 he became employed with Hypor Genetics Company at the Bon Accord barn until the devastating fire. He then transferred to Tullymet, where he worked as a Senior Breeding Specialist. He continued helping out at the family farm, as well as being involved on the Wheat Pool Committee, and being Pound Keeper for Tullymet for over 34 years. Bill was involved as the Director of the Canadian Western Agribition Board for 8 years, and he enjoyed being a volunteer and chairperson for the Draft Horse Show. Bill was a hard-working and determined man, with a generous and thoughtful heart. He enjoyed the company of his family and friends and always tried to make people feel at home. On July 17, 2004, Bill and Rita were married in Shaunavon, SK, and he became a husband and father all at once. Bill and Rita moved into Ituna in that year, and Bill easily adapted to town living, enjoying yard work and gardening. He took an interest in town activities, and enjoyed teaching Rita how to curl. Bill was an avid reader, especially enjoying current affairs and The Western Producer. He could be seen walking or bike riding with Rita in the evenings. This past fall, Bill and Rita were fortunate to travel to the Minot Host Fest, and enjoyed the Scandinavian life for a few days. Bill was predeceased by his parents, and his brothers Allan and David. He is survived by his wife Rita, his step-daughters Amanda (Kim) and step-children Brock and Latessa of Saskatoon, Carmen (Dustin) of Grenfell, and Whitney of Regina; his brothers Don (Donna) of Regina, Larry of Regina, Jim (Shawn) of Ituna, his sister Catherine of Regina, and his sister-in-law Sandra of Kelvington, as well as several nieces and nephews. The funeral service was held on Thursday, December 2, 2010 from St. Stanislaus RC Church in Ituna with Rev. Brian Mee of Lakeside United Church officiating. Bill's brother Donald gave the eulogy, and sister-in-law Sandra Martin read the scriptures. The organist, Paulette van der Helm led the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'Softly and Tenderly', and 'How Great Thou Art'. A taped selection by Alan Jackson, 'When We All Get to Heaven' was also played. The interment took place in the Ituna Town Cemetery with Travis Keisig, Nick Karkut, Larry Jankoski, Chris Martin, David Martin, and Andy Charanduk serving as the casket bearers. Arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 11:00am, St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church Interment Details Ituna Town Cemetery